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Connective Conversations: Coming to the Table Across Difference

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Connective Conversations

Coming to the Table Across Difference

With Dr. Michelle Friedman and Rabbanit Dalia Davis

There are some stereotypical tropes around the “stress of Pesach prep”, but, this year, there’s a different element of anxiety in the air.

This year more than any other year, we may also be anxious when thinking about gathering around the Passover Seder table and sitting across from family, guests with radically different worldviews than our own.

What controversial topics may arise during the Seder or the time spent together with family, friends, and community members?

Are we emotionally, mentally and spiritually prepared to encounter opinions that may be jarring and that may leave us feeling stunned, livid, isolated, and removed from the celebratory rituals of Pesach?

This year, preparing to encounter difficult conversations may be a critical and nurturing element of our Pesach preparation. 

Join us as we consider what challenging conversations we may encounter and think through how we might best respond.  

  • Dr. Michelle Friedman, a highly respected psychiatrist and an expert in pastoral counseling will guide us through the process of preparing ourselves in advance.  By sharing her deep wisdom on the nature of such encounters and offering us practical tools, Dr. Friedman will empower us to care for ourselves and for others when coming together in a diverse group.

  • Rabbanit Dalia Davis will offer a creative reflection, inviting us to bring our heart and souls into this work, personalizing our path towards a peaceful Pesach. 

כָּל דִכְפִין יֵיתֵי וְיֵיכֹל, כָּל דִצְרִיךְ יֵיתֵי וְיִפְסַח.

Anyone who is famished should come and eat, anyone who is in need should come and partake of the Pesach sacrifice. (Passover Haggadah)

As the Seder opens with an invitation for anyone who needs a place to join the celebration, may we find ways to care for ourselves and for others as we take our seats around diverse, complex, and loving Pesach gatherings.

Come when you can, stay till you can’t. But, come. Our learning is incomplete without you.

Join us Tuesday 4/9 @ 8:15-9:45pm ET

Please invite someone you think might want to be with us, too.


This gathering is directed by Rabbanit Dalia Davis and made possible in part by support of the Covenant Foundation, and inspired by each one of us.


This gathering is made possible by these generous sponsors:


This gathering welcomes women* 12+ and learners of all backgrounds.

SVIVAH is dependent on the generosity of those who choose to invest in a powerful community of women. As always, cost should never be a barrier to anything SVIVAH, but if you can, please help us show respect to our speakers/facilitators for their time and expertise.

If you would like to sponsor this gathering in honor or in memory of someone special, email us here.

Questions about ZOOM or about this gathering? Email connect@svivah.org

*SVIVAH defines "Jewish woman" as anyone wishing to be included in a circle of Jewish women. If you want to be here, we want you to be here.

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April 3

Pesach HerTorah

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April 12

Spiritual Office Hours: Pesach 2024